Donor Spotlight: Keith and Anne Damon

Jul 18, 2018

by Dru Walters, Student Contributor

Seeing the world and everything in it has always figured largely into Keith and Anne Damon’s plans. While they have lived in Fairfax, Virginia, for over 38 years, together the two have traveled to more than 147 countries. Their favorite destination is India which they have visited four times, although South America, Europe, and the Far East are all of special interest. Though world travelers, Keith and Anne say that they had never met, nor spent time with, people from Appalachia until discovering Alice Lloyd College.

Keith and Anne first heard about ALC though Keith’s father, who was familiar with the College of the Ozarks, a work-study college like Alice Lloyd. Upon learning that Jerry Davis, current College of the Ozarks President, is also the former President of ALC, they became curious about this school in the very heart of the Appalachia. Keith and Anne were impressed by the uniqueness of the College, the work study model employed at ALC, and the commitment of faculty and staff to meet the critical need for education in the region.

Keith comes from a long line of chemical engineers, including his father and brother. He graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York. He then received his Master’s and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Wisconsin, where his parents had met many years prior. Anne graduated from the College of Mount Saint Vincent in Riverdale, New York, earning a degree in English. The two met and married in New York City while Anne was beginning her career at a publishing company and Keith was beginning his career with Mobil Oil Corporation. When Mobil’s headquarters moved to Fairfax, Virginia, the couple decided it was time for them to leave the New York City area and to move to the D.C. suburbs.

Since they are both retired now, Keith and Anne have more free time to pursue their interests and change the world around them for the better. They have attended the Fairfax Baptist Church for over 30 years, during which time they have served as a host family for our very own Voices of Appalachia! Keith has been an activist in Virginia politics for over 12 years and uses his expertise in election law to fight for fair elections for everyone in Fairfax County. Anne has been president of various political organizations. Both of them have been involved in church leadership positions and activities.

Keith and AnneDamon’s motivation is to provide something that is desperately needed in this area of the country. Throughout their many travels, they maintain a commitment to helping those who are in need wherever they may be found. They say, “No out-of-pocket tuition is great and a school that expects you to work for your education is even greater.”